Witty's Funeral Home

04/06/2026

April 6, 2026

Linda L. Spooner

ORANGE- Linda Lee (Richardson) Spooner, 77, of West Main Street, died unexpectedly at home on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Born in Athol on April 3, 1949, she was the daughter of Charles Sr. and Edna (Knowlton) Richardson.
In her younger years, Linda worked for an airline and traveled a lot, as well as skiingin the Swiss Alps.
Linda is survived by a son, William Spooner and his wife Malgorzata of New Salem; one grandson; siblings, Ann Hastings of Orange, Donald Richardson and wife Sue of Wendell, and Gary Richardson and his wife Tina of Orange; as well as many nephews, nieces and cousins.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by brothers, Charles Richardson Jr. and Herbert Richardson.
There are no calling hours.
A funeral service will be held on April 17, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.
Interment will follow in South Cemetery, Orange.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

04/03/2026

April 3, 2026

Janis L. Lefebre

ATHOL- Janis Lucille Lefebre passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, surrounded by her children. Born January 15, 1929, to Alphonse and Flora (Mallette) Blanchard. She grew up in Athol and was one of eight children. Janis held many jobs including Cass Toys, Woolworth’s, Teacher’s Aide, Housekeeper and L.S. Starrett’s.
Janis was a Military wife, which led her and her family to Germany, New Jersey and Italy where many lifelong memories were created.
She had many talents including refinishing furniture, sewing, gardening and oil painting. One of her paintings received the honor of first prize at the Franklin County Fair. Janis loved being active, frequenting the Erving Senior Center for exercise classes and Bingo. She managed the Bingo money and loved making witty comments to the winners. Her incredible and quick wit was with her always.
Janis checked off some major bucket list items including skating at Rockefeller Center, Disney World at 80, and skydiving at 87! She loved adventure.
Janis will be deeply missed and is survived by her five children, Robbin Terault, Michele Nichols, Michael Lefebre, his wife Kaley, Lori Craig, her husband Peter, Mark Lefebre, his wife Erin, her grandchildren, Carly, Evan, Ashley, Alex, Tiffany, Sydney, Cooper and Estelle, her brother Roger Blanchard, and many nieces and nephews. Janis was predeceased by her parents, Alphonse and Flora Blanchard, siblings Verda, Nerma (Sister Mary Joan), Vona (Sister Mary Matthew), Nancy, Howard and Lawrence.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Our Lady Immaculate, 192 School St., Athol, MA 01331 or the Erving Senior Center, 1 Care Dr., Erving, MA 01344.
In a time where families need the kindness of angels on earth, Janis’ children were blessed with more than they could have hoped for with the incredible hospice team who served Janis and her children with grace and dignity beyond imagine.
There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School Street, Athol, on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at Silver Lake Cemetery following the Mass.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

04/02/2026

April 1, 2026

Judith L. Stevens

ATHOL- Judith L. (Oja) Stevens, 78, of School Street, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 surrounded by her loving husband and family.
Born in Troy, New Hampshire on October 28, 1947, she was the daughter of Roger and Mary (Girard) Oja.
She married David Stevens.
Judith was an active volunteer of the Athol Salvation Army.
Survivors include her husband, David Stevens of Athol; her children, Tammy McGee and her husband Michael of Pawtucket, RI, Susan Stevens of Jaffery, NH, Sherry Selby and her husband Gene of Keene, NH and Pauline Hughes of Athol. She also leaves behind grandchildren, Bianca Pinter and her husband Benjamin, Sebastion Wentworth, Derek Stevens and his wife Mariah, Joshua Wentworth and Madison Wentworth; great grandchildren, Oliver, Mya, Dean and Skylar; a brother, Roger “Skip” Oja and his wife Judith of Tennessee; a nephew, Michael Oja and his wife Kacie of Tennessee; two grand nieces and one grand nephew.
There are no calling hours.
A celebration of life will be held on April 25, 2026 at 11 a.m., at the Athol Salvation Army, 107 Ridge Avenue, Athol.
Interment will be private in Mountain View Cemetery, Swanzey, NH.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Athol Salvation Army.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

The loss of a loved one can leave you with a lot of unanswered questions, feelings of stress and anxiety and grief that makes events difficult to handle. The experienced funeral directors at Witty's Funeral Home will guide you through the aspects of the funeral service with compassion, dignity and r...

04/01/2026

April 1, 2026

Joan E. Burnett

NEW SALEM- Joan E. (Carey) Burnett, 90, of Moosehorn Road, died peacefully on Saturday, March 28, 2026 surrounded by loved ones.
Born in the Moore’s Corner section of Leverett on December 2, 1935 at the home of Ralph and Vera Carey, she was the daughter of William A. and Evelyn M. (Groves) Carey and graduated from New Salem Academy.
On August 5, 1952, Joan married Harold “Tillie” Burnett Sr. and was predeceased by him.
Joan was employed by the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the Infirmary, later transferring to Housekeeping before retiring. She previously had worked at the Orange Pants Shop as well as doing private housekeeping in Amherst.
Joan enjoyed traveling and had visited Germany, France, Hawaii, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Florida. She also loved her sports including NASCAR, New England Patriots, the Red Sox, Celtics and UMass basketball, along with playing bingo and cards.
Joan is survived by sons, Harold “Zeke” Burnett Jr. and Mark Burnett (Sherri-Ann); daughters, Marilyn “Susie” Canon (Jim Sr.) and Kara Swan (Jeff Matosky); grandchildren, Jeremy Burnett (Jessie), Joshua Burnett (Kelly), Johnathon Burnett (Rebecca), James Canon Jr. (Laura), Mark Burnett (Amy), Darcee Clemenzi, Sam Williams (Kate),Charles Williams (Sarah), Ryan Swan, and Karine Swan (Samantha Jo); great grandchildren, Cameron, Nicholas and Bella Burnett, Joey, Jordan, Julian and Kaia Burnett, Grace and Isabella Canon, Allyson and Mia Burnett, Olivia and Gavin Clemenzi, Nathaniel Trude, Madelynn Bowers, Haylee Hall and Kayden Swan; a great, great grandson, Sammy Williams; brothers, Robert Carey (Sylvia) and Ricky Carey; sisters, Jean Sweeney, Karen Fairman, and Kathy Boron (David); and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
There are no calling hours.
A graveside service will be held on June 6, 2026 at 11 a.m., at Plainview Cemetery, 195 North Leverett Road, Leverett.
A celebration of life will follow at the Shutesbury Athletic Club, 282 Wendell Road, Shutesbury.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

03/30/2026

March 30, 2026

Arthur E. Roberts

ORANGE- Arthur E. Roberts, 78, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 27, 2026.
Born on November 25, 1947, in Winchendon, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Albert and Janet Roberts.
Arthur dedicated much of his life to his work, spending 45 years at New England Wooden Ware and later 20 years at Athol Memorial Hospital.
Arthur enjoyed bike riding, gardening, walking, and summer cookouts. Above all else, he cherished time with his family.
He married the love of his life, Carole, on April 20, 1967, in Winchendon, Massachusetts where they lived until moving to Orange in 1985. Together, they had three children — Kevin, Scott and Mary. The two loved each other deeply and spent 58 years together.
Arthur is survived by his devoted wife, Carole; his children, Kevin and wife Melissa Roberts, Scott Roberts, and Mary Paluk and husband David Mallet; six grandchildren; eight siblings; and his loyal companion, Teddy.
He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Janet Roberts, and four siblings, Anna, Barbara, Karen, and Michael.
Arthur will be remembered for his contagious laugh, his famous sayings, and his wildly creative Jeopardy! answers that always brought laughter to those around him.
Graveside services will be held at a later date.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

03/28/2026

March 28, 2026

David A. Gillis

ORANGE- David Anthony Gillis, 62, of Orange, Mass. died unexpectedly on March 26, 2026 at home.
He was born in Athol on May 5, 1963 to the late Joseph and Carolyn Gillis.
David leaves behind a sister, Jeanne Lucier, of Gardner, MA; a brother, Brian Gillis and his wife Linda, of Orange, MA; his niece, Danielle Austin of Gardner, MA; and nephew, Joseph S. Gillis of Orange, MA. David also leaves behind many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Services and a celebration of life will be announced in the near future.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

03/19/2026

March 19 , 2026

Phillip R. Leger

ATHOL- Phillip R. Leger, 84, of Daniel Hays Highway, died on Wednesday March 18, 2026 at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.
He was born in Fitchburg on June 23, 1941, he was the son of Joseph and Hilma (Saako) Leger.
On August 27, 1959, Phillip enlisted in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged on August 6, 1963.
On June 21, 1997, Phillip married Maria E. “Nikki” (O’Connell) and enjoyed 22 years of marriage until her death on October 25, 2019.
Phillip was a warehouse worker for many years.
He was a member of the Orange American Legion Post 172.
Phillip is survived by his sons, Matthew Leger and his wife Grace of Fitchburg and Jeffrey Leger and his wife Kim of Washington; grandchildren, Travis Leger, Valerie Osborn, Tyler Leger, Lauren Hansen and Jacob Leger; great grandchildren, Arlo Osborn, Callie Osborn, Daisy Osborn and Kennedy Jo Hansen; as well as several nephews and nieces.
Besides his parents, Phillip was predeceased by a brother, Francis "Pudgy" Leger.
Calling hours will be held on March 29, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.
A funeral service will be held on March 30, 2026 at 11:30 a.m., at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.
Interment will be at 1 p.m. on March 30, 2026, at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Orange American Legion Post 172, P.O. Box 172, Orange, MA 01364.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

The loss of a loved one can leave you with a lot of unanswered questions, feelings of stress and anxiety and grief that makes events difficult to handle. The experienced funeral directors at Witty's Funeral Home will guide you through the aspects of the funeral service with compassion, dignity and r...

03/15/2026

March 25th is the next meeting

03/15/2026

March 14, 2026

Mary L. Verock

ATHOL- Mary Louise (Sisson) Verock born May 13, 1947. A resident of Athol, MA and formerly of New Salem, MA, known for her generosity and loving heart, went to heaven on March 7th, 2026.
Mary spent many years hosting Ladies Tea Breakfasts with the goal to share the loving promises of Jesus with women (and people) of all ages. As a teacher at North New Salem Christian School, encourager and guide-on-the side, she loved her friends including the ones she affectionately called “the posse” Sylvie Thilbeault, Nancy Gerry, and Glenda Beeler to name a few. She also found a special joy in helping out with her beloved grandchildren. In her early years, she helped to shepherd nieces and nephews. If you knew Mary, she certainly had you on her prayer list, as praying for the needs of others was dear to her heart.
Mary loved to sing show tunes, play the piano, and laugh. She often surprised people with little encouraging gifts!
Mary was a sister to James and Robert Sisson, and their wives Diane Sisson, and Mary Ellen Sisson respectively; a mother to Ruth-Ellen Verock and Emily Verock-Isrow and their husbands Brendan Hoffman and Eric Isrow respectively. She was a grandmother to Zoe and Joey Lehtomaki and their father Jeremy Lehtomaki. A great grandmother to James Grasso, an aunt to Morgan, Ian, and Santina Sisson, along with Karen, Kelly, and Kevin Mahoney, and William, Frank Paul and Joseph Verock. She was a lifelong friend of “Aunt” Sally Davis Tarara, and “Uncle” David Tarara.
Mary will be greatly missed but one thing we know for sure, we will be excited to see her in heaven where she sings and dances once again with her husband Michael Verock who she loved and cared for during their 50 years of marriage and through his 20+ years with Parkinson’s Disease.
Mary, alongside her husband and loving son Jesse who she missed dearly since his passing at 16, will be welcoming us home again with open arms on that glorious day when we too, arrive in heaven!
A Celebration of Life will take place during the Spring of 2026! We hope to see you there. And we thank you for sharing both your lives and love, with Mary Louise Sisson!
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

03/12/2026

March 12, 2026

Joyce A. Rajaniemi

RUTLAND- Joyce Ann Rajaniemi, 69, of Rutland, passed away on March 11, 2026.
Joyce was born in May 1956 to Elma and Raymond Rajaniemi in Ashburnham. After Joyce graduated from Oakmont High School, she enjoyed her years living at home, reading the newspaper and TV Guide, watching her beloved shows, drawing and coloring, holding her deck of cards, and eating M&Ms (or anything sweet, really). Although she may have had a small life, her impact on anyone who met her was huge. She was a fiery, feisty, amazing woman.
Joyce was predeceased by her parents, and her sister, Carol Ann.
She is survived by her brothers and their wives, Leonard and Linda Rajaniemi of Phillipston and Eric and Denise Rajaniemi of Virginia. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Sherry Andrews of Millis, Kenneth Rajaniemi of Deering, NH, Melanie Jackson of Athol, and Ian Rajaniemi of Virgina. Joyce was also great aunt to several children.
Private services will be held with the family at Green Bower Cemetery in Gardner.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

03/08/2026

March 8, 2026

Linda Dupell Celebration of Life

In love and remembrance we will gather to celebrate the life of our dear Linda (Lin) Dupell. We will be holding 2 celebrations of life for Linda, one in Florida and one in Massachusetts.

The celebration in Florida will be held Sunday, March 29 from 12 to 3 PM in the Starlight ballroom at Del Tura golf and Country club, 18621 N. tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, Florida, 33903. The eulogy and opportunity to share stories, laughter and memories of Lin and the joy she brought to our lives will be held at 1pm. There will be lunch and refreshments provided.

The celebration in Massachusetts will be on Saturday, June 20 from 12 to 5 PM at the Templeton Fish and game club. Club road, Templeton, Mass. 01468. The eulogy and opportunity to share stories, laughter and memories of Lin and the joy she brought to our lives will be held at 1pm. There will be lunch and refreshments provided.

03/04/2026

March 4, 2026 (Posting for our friends)

Linda Mary (Carney) Dupell
March 20, 1959 – March 3, 2026

North Fort Myers, Florida- Linda Mary Dupell, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer at her winter home in N. Fort Myers, Fl. with Doug holding her hand when she passed. She faced her illness with strength, grace, and her signature smile, always choosing to “fake it until she made it” so she could savor life with those she loved.
Born in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts on March 20, 1959, Linda was the daughter of Richard D. Carney, longtime Town Manager of Shrewsbury, and Doris Mary (Francis) Carney. She grew up in Shrewsbury and attended Catholic schools in Worcester, later graduating from Fanning Trade High School in 1977 with her cosmetology license and diploma. Education remained a passion throughout her life: she earned her B.S. in General Studies (Computer Science, Business, and Psychology) from Fitchburg State University in 2000, and her Master’s in Communication, with a focus on Intercultural Communication, from Clark University in 2004.
Linda enjoyed a 33-year career in higher education, serving 23 years at Fitchburg State and 10 years at Clark University. Her dedication to her students, colleagues, and community left a lasting legacy.
In 2010, Linda married the love of her life, Doug Dupell, Sr. Together, they built a marriage filled with joy, adventure, and deep companionship. Whether traveling, riding motorcycles, or spending time at their homes in Templeton, Massachusetts and North Fort Myers, Florida, they cherished every moment side by side.
Linda is survived by her son Patrick Marmysh and his wife Caitlin Laurie, and their sons Axel and Ezra of Worcester, Ma: her bonus sons Doug Dupell, Jr. of Fort Myers. Fl. and Phillip Dupell and his wife Amber, and her granddaughters Marnie and Addison of Orange, Ma.. She also leaves behind her siblings: Nancy Snow and her husband James of Chatham, Ma., Susan Breagy and her husband Richard of Hubbardston, Ma., Jayne Senecal and her husband Gregg of Shrewsbury, Ma., and brothers David Carney of Shrewsbury, Ma. and Pete Carney and his wife Christine of Shrewsbury, Ma.. She was a cherished aunt to nine nephews and one niece.
Family and friendships were the heart of Linda’s life. Her weekly card nights with dear friends brought her endless laughter. Our house was always filled with music playing, especially Taylor Swift. Linda held a deep passion for supporting causes close to her heart, especially advocacy for battered women.
Linda retired in 2021 after learning her cancer had metastasized, devoting her time to making every day meaningful with Doug, her family, and her friends. She will be remembered for her warmth, her courage, her dedication, and the way she made everyone around her feel loved.
There will be a Celebration of life here in N. Fort Myers TBD and another at the Templeton Fish & Game Club when we return to Mass.also TBD.
Linda will be deeply missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the children’s fund in her name, supporting yearly activities such as Halloween and Christmas parties, through the Templeton Fish and Game Club, P.O. Box 99, East Templeton, Ma. 01468.